How addiction changes the brains communication pathways

July 18, 2015

How addiction changes the brains communication pathways: Neuronal plasticity

it is a pity how addiction changes the brains communication pathways is directly causing many a lot of suffering both physically and psychologically.

It is very interesting to study some of the things that cause problems in your life and particularly in your health. For quite some times now we have been studying the brain and how it is affected by various substances. In we deed mentioned something about the brain’s electro-chemical communication system stating that it is a communication system that sends information through a vast network of interconnecting neurons. By and by the brain begins to develop a preferred or standard pathway to send signals between neurons (neural pathways). Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of the facility can now confirm that in the past it was believed that the brain’s neural pathways will be completely formed by the time we reached adulthood. Nonetheless the recent scientific findings have established that this is a continuous process and in fact the human brain continues to create new neurons and form neural pathways throughout our entire lifespan. That is why neurons are seen as dynamic cells that are constantly adapting to changing circumstances. It therefore means that if an injury or damages happens to an individual’s brain (such as a stroke or injury) the neurons will make new communication route around the damaged area. Scientifically doctor Akoury says that this ability of recreation of neurons is known as neuronal plasticity. Nevertheless we want to focus on the response the question of the discussion that “how addiction changes the brains communication pathways”.

Doctor Akoury says that neuroplasticity is responsible for the regulation of our learning processes and this enables us to adapt to our surroundings conveniently. To better understand neuroplasticity let us consider using this illustration. The brain forms neural pathways in a way that is similar to the formation of a demarcated hiking pathway. The more we travel a path, the faster, easier, and more familiar that path becomes. As the routine continues it becomes more visible, smoother, and easier to travel on. It therefore becomes a preferred route for many. This is also how neural pathways are formed. With time the brain forms familiar neural pathways which then become habitual routes. And in the event that the familiar route is blocked the brain responds swiftly by forming a new route around the blockage. And from the illustration, suppose you walk through the bush each day to visit a friend. You use the same trail each time and one day as you travel along your familiar path, you discover a huge tree has fallen over. It’s blocking your passage. You will need to forge a new path to go around the tree. At first, this new path will be narrow, difficult, and slow. It might even be uncomfortable. However with time, it will become a well-worn, comfortable path. It will be just as easy as the original path.

How addiction changes the brains communication pathways: Substance abuse chemically altered the brain’s operations

New neural pathways are formed as addiction develops. This is because addiction chemically altered the brain’s communication system. When you take that drug away, the brain must again form new neural pathways. Just as when we had to forge a new trail in the bush, this is initially uncomfortable. Neuroplasticity explains why the initial period of recovery is difficult and uncomfortable. But we know from our hiking trail example, this difficulty is only temporary. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center this information is very helpful to know when attempting recovery. We can be successful if we preserve through this brief, uncomfortable period. Remember, it was difficult and uncomfortable to forge a new pathway around a fallen tree. The same is true for the initial period of recovery. It can be difficult and uncomfortable while these new neural pathways are forming. As long as the recovering person does not give up during this initial period of discomfort, new neural pathways will form that support recovery. These new pathways will become more established and better developed over time. As they do, recovery becomes easier and more comfortable.

How addiction changes the brains communication pathways: The effects of addictive substances on the brain

By now I believe that from the emphasis we have made about the adaptive and the dynamic qualities of our brains ensure our survival, you are somewhere as far as keeping the brain healthy is concern. The next point I want to raise on how addiction changes the brains communication pathways may be quite unfortunate. Why do I say so, it is because the brain’s ability to be so adaptive is also at the root of addiction. Doctor Akoury says that the brain has the ability to adapt not only to the harmless substances and activities but also to the strong effects of addictive drugs and activities. And when it does, there will be damaging changes happening in the brain regions which are associated with reward including the memory and emotion, decision-making and stress regulations. These changes to our brain make the repeated use of addictive substances or activities very compelling. The good news is that our brains’ neuroplasticity allows us to correct these changes! Therefore, although addiction leads to structural changes in the brain, we are capable of learning new coping skills. The brain’s plasticity allows these new coping skills to be imprinted.

Finally we will be discussing these structural changes in the next series of articles and we want to urge you not to go away but to stay with us on the link and where possible invite a friend too. In the meantime having such powerful information about the most sensitive organ in your body the brain is very helpful in keeping you healthy. I am saying so because when you know, you will not do things that will cause herm to your health, and if you have already caused an injury, then you can take measures to remedy the situation by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury to professionally take your through the recovery treatment process today.

How addiction changes the brains communication pathways: Neuronal plasticity

How addiction affects the brains chemistry on communication

July 17, 2015

How addiction affects the brains chemistry on communication: Why it is necessary to protect the brain

How addiction affects the brains chemistry on communication is one fact that cannot be ignored if any meaningful treatment is to be offered

Communication is very important in human life and it is the key to proper management of human systems whether the system is a group of family members, colleagues at work or in any other set up including as an individual. The body is actually no different and in fact in the absent of good communication our bodies will not function well. It will interest you to note that the brain is responsible for proper communication. Therefore if we want to understand addiction’s effect on the brain chemistry, it will be very important that we first appreciate how communication works. That is why we want to focus on the discussion of how addiction affects the brains chemistry on communication. We are going to rely on the expert opinion from doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. According to the experts at this facility, all the five senses e.g. sight, smell, taste, sound and touch will collect and transmit information about our environment. On receipt the brain will process and analyze this information. It must be noted that even though the brain performs this huge task of processing and analyzing information, it does so by relying on simple electrochemical process for communication.

The brain’s communication system permits specific areas of the brain to rapidly interact with other brain regions. The brain achieves this communication through a vast, interconnected, network of specialized cells called neurons. Our brains have billions of these neuronal connections. These neuronal connections form the foundation for an electro-chemical communication system.

How addiction affects the brains chemistry on communication: Addiction Changes the Brain’s Chemistry

The composition of the brain is such that it has several sections or regions with each performing a distinctive role. All these sections communicate to each other for proper functionality of their specific roles. And besides the sections, the brain also must communicate to the rest of the body to coordinates the body’s systems like the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory system among others. This can be illustrated well by taking the example of sports men and women. They must communicate to one another and coordinate as a team. That’s why the brain communication system is crucial for our health, well-being and the overall functioning. It is no wonder that when this communication system is altered, we are affected greatly. Doctor Akoury says that we are able to cope because the brain communication system is changing periodically and adapting to the new environments well. This way we are able to learn, remember and make adjustments to our changing circumstances. Drugs can easily alters this communication systems and therefore it is only fair that we appreciate how this communication system works so that we can understand some of the defining characteristics of addiction which may include cravings, withdrawals, compulsions, and the continued use of addictive substances and activities despite harmful consequences.

How addiction affects the brains chemistry on communication: The neurons

The neuron is the primary unit of communication within the brain. A single neuron is extremely tiny. Experts are estimating that there are over 100 billion neurons in the human brain. With that you can imagine just how complex and distinct your brain is from the person next to you. And because good communication is of two ways where we both listen (receive information) and at the same time we also speak (send information). The same is applicable to the brain’s communication system with the neurons having the ability to both send and receive communication signals. The dendrite is the portion of a neuron that typically receives information (listens) while the axon is portion of the neuron that sends out information (speaks).

Therefore when humans communicate with each other, we typically use words and gestures. The different parts of the brain communicate with each other using electrical signals. Neurons use electrical pulses to send their communication signals. These electrical impulses are called action potentials. When a neuron fires, the action potential travels down the neuron’s axon where it ends. At the end of the axon is the axon terminal or pre-synapse. In this area, special chemical messengers called neurotransmitters and neuromodulators lay in wait. These are stored in specialized capsules called vesicles. The action potential causes the release of these chemical messengers into an open space between one neuron’s axon and the next neurons’ dendrites. This open space is the synaptic cleft. At the other side of the synaptic cleft is the post synapse that is formed by the dendrites of connecting neurons. In the post synapse, there are special receptors that receive the neurotransmitters.

Receptors and neurotransmitters function in a way that is similar to a keyhole and key. Receptors are like keyholes and neurotransmitters are like the keys. When neurotransmitters fit into the receptors it is called binding. Once a neurotransmitter is bound to a receptor, the key turns the lock. Once the lock opens, it communicates with the receiving neuron’s dendrites. In the post synapse, there may be many different receptors (many different shaped keyholes). However, a particular neurotransmitter may be able to fit into (bind to) several different receptors types. This is similar to the way a single key can open several different locks. The particular receptor type determines the type of signal that is transmitted. Thus, the receptor type is often more critical to the communication than the particular neurotransmitter.

It may be easiest to visualize this communication as a single chain of events: First, a neuron sends an electrical impulse (action potential) down the axon. Next, the electrical impulse causes chemicals (neurotransmitters and neuromodulators) to be released into the space between two neurons. Then these chemicals can signal the next neuron to send an electrical impulse and so on. This electro-chemical process forms the brain’s communication system. In conclusion, it is evident that the functions of the brain in communication are very sensitive and any alteration caused by drugs addiction can have far reaching effects. Therefore before we get there, we must do all it takes to prevent or correct as soon as it is necessary. For this reason it will be prudent for you to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your addiction recovery process. This is very important more so if the most sensitive organ of the body is involved. So waste no time and make that call now.

How addiction affects the brains chemistry on communication: Why it is necessary to protect the brain

Exploring Spinal Cord Injuries

June 1, 2015

The Evolving Science Of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord Injury The most important structure that plays the role of a link between the body and the brain is the spinal cord. It extends from the medulla oblongata of the brain through to the level of the first lumbar vertebrae. It is a cylindrical structure of nervous tissue that is composed of white and grey matter. On each of its sides, two consecutive rows of nerve roots emerge. These roots distally join forming the 31 pairs of spinal nerves. It is housed within the vertebral column. The spinal cord makes up approximately only 2% of the central nervous system but has very vital functions.

A spinal cord injury refers to any damage to any part of the spinal cord or damage of nerves at the spinal canal’s end. Below the site of the injury, there often occur permanent changes in sensation, strength and other body functions.

The subject of spinal cord injuries is not a new one. Many people are familiar with it and understand its financial implications. Many families have had to put up with hefty hospital bills after a spinal cord injury of a member. Special equipment like wheelchairs have had to be purchased to assist victims of spinal cord injury. Some victims even lose their jobs after a spinal cord injury due to inability to perform their tasks at the work place. This is a very serious financial blow to them considering the fact that they require large amounts of money to lead a normal life.

There is a complete relationship between the physical, financial, emotional and social implications of spinal cord injuries. For example when one suffers a spinal cord injury, they get paralyzed which calls for the purchase of special equipment. In some cases paralysis may lead to loss of a job. When one loses a job, they become emotionally affected and thus their social life is also greatly affected.

Spinal cord injuries are of different levels and seriousness depending on the site of injury. The vertebrae that make up the spinal column are grouped into sections. Since spinal injuries affect body functions below the site of injury, the higher the sight of injury, the more severe the dysfunction that results.

Spinal cord injury cure has been the focus of science for so long. New strategies are being developed and old strategies are being revised to make them better and improve their efficacy.

Regenerative strategies

The last two decades have witnessed tremendous efforts in attempt to enhance regeneration of spinal cord axon though many techniques. These techniques include neutralization of neurite inhibition, synthetic channel implantation, various cell transplantation and administration of neurotrophic factors. Some of these strategies have been applied to animal models and they have been so promising to the extent that their potential human application is being explored by clinicians. The main factor limiting recovery from a spinal cord injury has been attributed to the failure of the central nervous system to regenerate. All these strategies aim at making it possible for the axons in the central nervous system to regenerate. Expectations become high with the identification of growth inhibitory molecules in the central nervous system. It was thought that neutralizing these factors would allow for functional axonal regeneration in the central nervous system. But as happens to most seemingly bright researches, the dark side finally showed in this. There exist mixed results of therapeutic approaches that were based on this assumption. Neurons are suggested to differ in their regenerative abilities through similar extracellular environments by recent data. These neurons have also been shown by recent data to undergo a developmental loss of intrinsic regenerative ability. Intrinsic regenerative abilities are mediated by factors that include expression of:

Cytoskeletal proteins mediating the axon growth mechanics
Receptors for inhibitory molecules
Molecules in the intracellular signaling cascades mediating response to chemoattractive and chemorepulsive cues.
Surface molecules permitting adhesion of axon to cells in the growth path

Sharply contrasting to axon development, its regeneration involves internal protrusive forces. Micro tubules generate these forces either by transporting other skeletal elements like neurofilaments to the tip of the axon or through their own elongation. It is the complexity of the regeneration program that casts a dark shadow on the progress.

Multi- cell therapy

Transplantation of cells replaces the damaged neural tissues and restores function after spinal cord injury. Successful results have been obtained with different cell types including adult neural stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, fetal tissue, embryonic stem cells and myelin producing cells.

In transplants of fetal tissue combined with neurotrophic factors, axonal growth has been seen. Transplanting polymer guiding channels with Schwann’s cells also helps in achieving novel axonal growth towards a cell transplant.

It is important to note that enough immune suppression is needed lest the cell transplant will be rejected. Attention is currently focused on mesenchymal stem cells to try and circumvent this immunological rejection of transplanted cells. After transplantation, they differentiate into desired cells.

Even though multiple studies have shown success of these multi-cell strategies, it is still not clearly understood what mechanisms lead to functional improvement following transplant.

For more information about bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplantation, visit www.awaremednetwork.com. Dr. Dalal Akoury has years of experience in integrative medicine and will be of assistance.

While at it, visit http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com to learn about the upcoming integrative addiction conference 2015. The conference will deliver unique approaches to telling symptoms of addiction and how to assist patients of addiction.

The Evolving Science Of Spinal Cord Injuries

Methamphetamine Use May Risk Development of Parkinson’s Disease

March 25, 2015

Methamphetamine Use May Predispose Consumers to Future Development of Parkinson’s Disease

There are several neurodegenerative disorders but it will still not be right for anybody to talk about neurodegenerative disorders without mentioning the Parkinson’s disease. This disorder is the second most common after Alzheimer’s disease and it is affecting approximately ten million people worldwide. The probability of a person suffering from this disease increases with age with most people being diagnosed after the age of 50. Early in the course of the disease, the most obvious symptoms are movement-related. These include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking and gait. However, the symptoms worsens as time passes by, these may include cognitive and behavioral problems with dementia commonly occurring in the advanced stages of the disease. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep, and emotional problems. PD is caused by degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons that project to the striatum. The loss of striatal dopamine is responsible for the major symptoms of the disease. Although a small proportion of cases can be attributed to known genetic factors, most cases of PD are idiopathic. While the etiology of dopaminergic neuronal demise is mysterious, a combination of genetic susceptibilities, age, and environmental factors seems to play a critical role. Dopamine degeneration process in PD involves abnormal protein handling, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, apoptotic processes, and microglial activation or neuroinflammation.

methamphetamine

Studies on animals on methamphetamine toxicity

Studies done on animals have shown that methamphetamine can cause long-term dopamine terminal damage as well as dopamine neuronal body loss. In rodents, repeated administration of methamphetamine causes a decrease in dopaminergic markers such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter. Accompanied by a reduction in TH activity, reduced levels of dopamine and its metabolites and decreased levels of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). These effects occur primarily in the striatum but also in the cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus and hippocampus. Methamphetamine induces neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner as do other amphetamine-derivatives like MDMA. Although partial recovery of TH and dopamine transport fibers occurs after methamphetamine administration, methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity is persistent. In mice, the greatest dopaminergic fiber loss is seen 24 hours after methamphetamine administration. Neurotoxic effects persist for more than seven days after methamphetamine exposure and one month after MDMA exposure. Drugs that induce PD symptoms and TH loss such as MPTP in mice also show a partial recovery with time in nonhuman monkeys and mice. The time courses and degrees of TH and dopamine transport fiber recovery after methamphetamine or after MDMA exposure are similar, suggesting terminal regrowth, as these two proteins are independently regulated. Researchers have also noted that there is partial recovery of dopamine levels in the striatum strongly suggesting that the regrown terminals are functional. However the mechanisms responsible for partial recovery are not known, but it is speculated that it might involve compensatory sprouting and branching as has been reported for regrowth following MPTP-induced damage. Dopamine terminal recovery has also been described in rhesus monkeys and velvet monkeys, although it appears to occur on a slower timescale than in mice. Methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic damage persists for more than 12 weeks in velvet monkeys and more than 3 years in rhesus monkeys, demonstrating the persistence of methamphetamine-induced brain damage.

Methamphetamine Toxicity in the Substantia Nigra

This drug doesn’t only cause fiber loss in TH but also produces dopamine cell body loss in the substantia nigra as shown in tests in mice that were treated with 3 methamphetamine injections (5 mg/kg) at 3-hour intervals. From the counts it is evident that 20 to 25% dopaminergic cell loss, measured at different time are linked to exposure to methamphetamine. The observed pattern of TH-stained neuron loss is very similar to the pattern of Nissl-stained neuron loss, indicating that neuronal loss is specific to dopaminergic neurons. Dopamine cell body loss was confirmed via staining with Fluoro-Jade, a general marker of neuronal degeneration that fluoresces after administration of known dopaminergic toxins such as 6-OHDA and MPTP. Fluoro-Jade stains scattered neurons degenerated in the substantia nigra after methamphetamine treatment. there is a possibility that the lack of complete recovery of TH fibers in the striatum is related to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia nigra similar to what occurs in Parkinson’s disease.

methamphetamine

Increased Risk of Parkinson’s Disease in Methamphetamine Abusers

There are literatures that have linked the abuse of amphetamine to the later development of PD. In a report of a study done by Callaghan and his colleagues, there is an increase in of PD in methamphetamine users in an epidemiological investigation based on data from California statewide hospital discharge records. The researchers identified 1,863 methamphetamine users, 9,315 patients hospitalized for appendicitis as a nondrug control group, and 1,720 cocaine users as a drug control group. All subjects were aged at least 50 years, had been hospitalized in California between 1990 and 2000, and had been followed for up to 10 years after discharge. The methamphetamine user group showed an elevated incidence of PD, with a 165% higher risk for development of PD than the patients from the control group. the results have been confirmed by the same group after doing the same research but in a much broader scope; 40,000 people hospitalized for methamphetamine versus 200,000 for appendicitis and 35,000 for cocaine and a 16-year follow-up period. From these two studies it is evident that methamphetamine use increases the chances of PD development in adulthood.

Drug abuse, addiction and independence are problems that people grapple with every day. These problems need to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Methamphetamine Use May Predispose Consumers to Future Development of Parkinson’s Disease

Foods That Help Boost Serotonin Level

March 17, 2015

Foods That Raise Serotonin Level

Serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin helps in regulation of mood and sleep. According to recent research findings, when the level of serotonin is below optimum it can cause increased incidences of aggressive behavior. Low serotonin levels have also been linked to anxiety and depression. If the recent research findings have to be believed which of course they are, then low serotonin levels are dangerous as it may lead to suicidal acts. In terms of dieting, making sure you’re not serotonin deficient is vital because serotonin triggers satiety after eating. Depressed serotonin levels is the likely reason why the vast majority of people cannot stay on a very low carbohydrate diet for the long term without feeling an unavoidable need to binge which may lead to more complex disorders. In the brain the production of neurotransmitter happens naturally without intervention of any other drug, however when you have used the drugs of abuse for some time they will lead to depletion in the levels of the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. This therefore means that for healthy levels of serotonin to be achieved after use of drugs, there is need for replenishing and supplementing serotonin through diet. There are foods that are very helpful in raising the levels of serotonin . Here are some of them.

Serotonin

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables work in myriad ways to ensure good health. the greens are rich in various minerals and vitamins that go along way in boosting the levels of serotonin. some of the fresh vegetables that are actually beneficial in increasing the level of serotonin include Spinach which contains a substantial dose of folic acid. it is also a wonderful source of the mineral magnesium, a natural anxiety combatant. Without enough magnesium in your diet, you may find it hard to concentrate in addition to being fatigued and irritable. other foods that are rich in magnesium and hence helpful in boosting levels of serotonin include; cacao, seaweed, bananas, orange, tree nuts, peanuts, whole grains, corn, cheese, eggs, milk, and white fish.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruits are rich in nutritional content. The fresh fruits are rich in vitamins that serve the purpose of rejuvenating the body and giving it a healing approach as well as protecting the body and restoring crucial neurotransmitters like the serotonin which therefore helps in ensuring good moods. fruits are rich in B3 vitamins. these fruits may include watermelon, peaches, bananas, cantaloupe, and avocado. Generally, the B vitamins are very essential in restoration of neurotransmitters especially after a period of long term use of drugs of pleasure that are known to disrupt the functions of the neurotransmitters.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the devil away is a common adage. The health benefits of apples are many and this explains why it is always recommended for patients. A compound found in apples called “quercetin’ is an antioxidant that studies have shown may not only help in the prevention of cancer but may also play an important role in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. the medicinal abilities of this compound is confounding. It also helps in boosting serotonin as well as dopamine levels.

Herbs that Boost Serotonin Levels:

St. John’s wort -St. John’s wort is effective against mild to moderate depression, alleviates anxiety, insomnia, and irritability and eases pain. It increases the level of serotonin in the brain as well.

Dandelion– This herb is widely used in Europe as an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It increases the flow of bile and encourages both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout. In the addict it will ease the transportation of nutrients in the body and restore energy in the cells as well as boost the level of serotonin.

Cannabis- though known for all the wrong reasons, cannabis has very high medicinal content, however it is highly addictive and that dictates that it be used in moderation as unregulated use can cause addiction. It works in a way that it increases the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Burdock– burdock has been used to treat other conditions ranging from arthritis to diabetes to hair loss, and it’s an active ingredient in some cancer treatments this herb is also good in resoring the levels of serotonin.

Ginseng– contrary to what many people believe , ginseng does not only increase the level of serotonin in the body but also works in rejuvenating, restorative, boosts energy and vitality and is tonic to the brain. Ginseng is often prescribed for patients fighting depression which is a common symptom of withdrawal from drug use. This herb is a better therapy for those who are under physical, emotional, mental or spiritual stress as it is a very strong antidepressant and adaptogenic. Ginseng promotes strong nerves, sound sleep, improves memory, clear thinking and enhances concentration.

Use of drugs for along time causes damage to the neurotransmitters. apart from the foods and the herbs, you can also increase the level of serotonin by sunlight. Bright light increases the production of Serotonin in the body. Basking in the sunlight can absolutely improve your mood and also soothe muscle aches. It is good to note that by increasing the level of serotonin in your body, you are setting good grounds for addiction treatment and recovery. However, these problems need to be treated effectively through integrative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an expert at this. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Foods That Raise Serotonin Level

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